Japanese cuisine offers endless variety, but let’s be honest—nothing satisfies like a perfect bowl of ramen. The world was forever changed when those first noodles swam in rich tonkotsu broth. And Melbourne, FL does a fine job honoring that tradition. A bunch of the city’s best spots are sushi bars, but some are hiding in strip malls, food courts, and even gas stations, too.
Toyo Sushi & Asian Cuisine
$ | (321) 254-8838 | WEBSITE
After a long day of errands with the determined energy of someone hunting for the perfect parking spot, don’t underestimate the power of an ice-cold beer at Toyo Sushi & Asian Cuisine. Yes, this is a strip mall restaurant, but we’ll be damned, they make great sushi. It has exceptionally fresh fish, beautifully presented rolls that look like artistic masterpieces, and delicious tempura with a satisfying crunch. That and some gyoza, and you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of your evening.
The simple, clean interior focuses on good food rather than fancy decorations, and the enthusiastic waiters provide friendly service that makes you feel welcome. For around $15-20 per roll, you get high-quality Asian cuisine that keeps this place consistently busy. The Dragon Roll and twin lobster roll are particularly impressive, while the General Tso’s chicken and crab rangoons deliver exactly what you’re craving.
It’s a reliable spot where the chef’s welcoming presence and the staff’s prompt, kind attention make the experience as fresh and tasty as the food itself.
Fujiyama Japanese Seafood and Steak
$$ | (321) 255-6633 | WEBSITE
Filet mignon can sometimes feel like a heavy commitment, but not the one at this Melbourne Japanese steakhouse. Tender beef is balanced by crisp vegetables, a generous portion of savory fried rice and a zesty ginger sauce. The surprise? Fresh lobster tail, delicate chicken tempura, and crackly onion volcanoes distributed evenly for optimal entertainment. Our sympathies if you’re on Team Quiet Dinner.
Siam Orchid Thai & Japanese
$ | (321) 729-6383 | WEBSITE
Siam Orchid Thai & Japanese’s red curry with shrimp is like a magic trick. It tastes thoroughly authentic, but the broth has the consistency of a velvety soup. Despite this place being a temple of fusion cuisine, the curry is so rich and flavorful that it (almost) distracts us from the delicate sushi rolls.
Sushi Factory
$$ | (321) 300-6644 | WEBSITE
Thick-cut sashimi used to be the star of every Japanese menu, and then it kind of vanished from the sushi scene. This Sushi Factory, however, makes an argument for the generous, tender slices. The sashimi gets served with just about one more piece than you think you’d want—the perfect amount—plus super-thick cuts that we’d gladly pack in a takeout box, bring to the beach, and impress everyone with melt-in-your-mouth freshness.
Mangetsu
$ | (321) 499-4988 | WEBSITE
Mangetsu’s bulgogi is not technically traditional Korean barbecue, as it’s served with a side of Thai-inspired dipping sauce. But we’re not here to argue authenticity—it’s tender marinated beef with a sweet-savory glaze and a generous portion of house-made kimchi. Also known as delicious. The deep sea roll adds creamy texture among the smoky grilled meats, and you won’t even notice that the place has nary a quiet moment during peak hours (we didn’t).
Teriyaki Madness
$ | (321) 305-4116 | WEBSITE
We love this Melbourne spot for a quick lunch or dinner—though they also happen to serve an outstanding spicy chicken teriyaki bowl. The base is a bed of soft rice and tender vegetables, with the occasional piece of juicy chicken and flavorful sauce melded together by a generous portion of that signature teriyaki glaze. But what differentiates this bowl of comfort from the rest of them are the fresh, perfectly cooked noodles and the wide selection of drink options that complement the meal.
Add some extra sauce on top for best results, and let the knowledgeable cook, Fred, work his magic.
Taqueria Y Hibachi Hernandez
$ | (321) 372-9210 | WEBSITE
The lengua taco at this Melbourne Mexican spot is solid, meaty proof that honoring tradition can totally pay off. Braised tongue gets sliced thin for a tender, rich bite. Fresh cilantro and diced onions mingle with warm corn tortillas. And a squeeze of lime and dash of salsa verde replace heavy sauces, and turn out to be a better complement for the savory meat than any complicated preparation could ever be.
Banzai Sushi & Thai Restaurant
$ | (321) 757-5804 | WEBSITE
This family-run spot understands that all sushi can be improved with perfect spicing. Case in point: their garlic shrimp. Here, you get practically an entire platter of plump shrimp bathed in a sauce that’s the exact middle of the spectrum between garlicky and buttery. It clings nicely to fluffy jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, and generous portions throughout—and the extra dose of warmth from the family’s attentive service is a special touch that not many neighborhood restaurants can brag about.
Osuki Sushi
$$ | (321) 802-3228 | WEBSITE
It’s essential to try certain items at Osuki Sushi. Most of them involve nigiri, but you also can’t skip the tuna roll. The fish-to-rice ratio is always precise enough to highlight the freshness without overwhelming it, the cuts have buttery richness, and you can add salmon roe for briny complexity.
Makotos Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
$$ | (321) 724-8751 | WEBSITE
No one comes to a Japanese steakhouse for a ginger salad. Unless we’re talking about Makoto’s. It’s drenched in that tangy-sweet dressing and forms a perfect pairing with the restaurant’s California roll. Say what you will about hibachi vegetables and fried rice. This little bowl of crisp greens is the best companion for filet mignon and lightly fried tofu.
